first foundations test...

Few words of advice:

#1} Who cares what your friends made? They could be lying for all you know!!

#2} People learn differently, so, maybe you should find out soon what your learning style is. If you are an auditory learner..then reading the whole book isn't going to do a thing for you.

#3} It is only the first test, so, whatever you did to study for it...isn't working--try something else. Talk to your instructor and make a plan.

#4} Good luck! A 76% isn't that bad.

Even though it's a different test, your 76% is better than most of my classmates. Our class average was a 73% and we need to have an average of 75% to pass.

The first test is always a feeling out process for me. You don't know how nursing tests are so you don't know what to expect. I was the same way when I first started school, it seemed like everyone was doing better than me doing the same type of studying I did. I found a system that works for me and I'm doing a lot better. For me, it was just recording the lectures and re-listening to them in my free time. During tests I can hear the instructors talking and hear the answers verbatim from the tape. I know it's weird but just try new things out and find something that works for you. Good luck and don't get discouraged.. it's only the first test.

I'm sorry you didn't get the grade you expected. I know what a let down it is especially when you feel good about your performance. Anyway I just started my ADN program and haven't had any tests yet. But I ALWAYS chalk my first test up as a loss before I take it. Yes I study my butt off but......I have no idea what that teacher thinks is important, how to pick up on thier "hints" in lecture that x is important to know, or what their testing style is like. So I always figure that I am going to to badly on the first test. Then when I don't do as badly as I expected I feel happy even if my grade is lower than normal.

After my test has been graded I always review it. I look at the types of questions that were on it, how they were worded, and how closely the test followed the lecture and reading. Was it based primarily on lecture? Readings? A combo? Then I think about how I studied for the test and I adjust that method based on the information obtained from reviewing the test. For example if the test primarily focused on things from lecture then I would spend more time studying my notes and less time reading chapters. Likewise, if the test really only hit on broad concepts and not on details then I would just make sure that I really understood the broader concept and would spend very little time on the minute details within the concept.

Sorry if this was confusing! I have a hard time explaining how my wittle brain thinks! I hope I helped more than I confused!!!! :chuckle

The first test is always a feeling out process for me. You don't know how nursing tests are so you don't know what to expect. I was the same way when I first started school, it seemed like everyone was doing better than me doing the same type of studying I did. I found a system that works for me and I'm doing a lot better. For me, it was just recording the lectures and re-listening to them in my free time. During tests I can hear the instructors talking and hear the answers verbatim from the tape. I know it's weird but just try new things out and find something that works for you. Good luck and don't get discouraged.. it's only the first test.

My school strictly prohibits recording lectures, and I wonder why....maybe I can just hide the recorder in my purse/book bag?

I'd bet dollars to doughnuts you probably read to much into the questions. I know it sounds silly, but I had a really bad habit of doing the same until an instructor taught to me give the answer to the question without factoring in all of the one in a million cases that could make me pick something else.

I'd bet dollars to doughnuts you probably read to much into the questions. I know it sounds silly, but I had a really bad habit of doing the same until an instructor taught to me give the answer to the question without factoring in all of the one in a million cases that could make me pick something else.

You're probably right. I was going through my NCLEX book on test-taking strategies and one of the big things that was mentioned was to not get that "what-if" in your head because that can set you up for failure. But it's just really hard sometimes I guess I will just have to make room for improvement between now and the next exam (which isn't until the last week in October) and maybe try some of the other studying techniques like others have suggested.

I got the same grade on my first test- I did much better on my second. I was also down about my grade- I spend countless hours studying and felt sooooo prepared. When I got the test I felt Whoa, I should have known the answers but I didnt study for "that" kind of test. The fundamentals to me seemed a little more complicated than the material we are learing now, cardiac and resp. I feel like fundamentals you can draw your own opinions about and get the answer wrong. I admit I made some stupid mistakes. I think it is a good idea to review your test and talk to the instructor. I have purchased an NCLEX book and I plan do to do questions out of it (when I get it) my instructor said that helped her a lot. I am still trying to get down good study skills example the last test we had was over 25 chapters 800 pages worth of material, I had NO idea what to study and again spend HOURS studying and taking my own notes from the reading- this helped get ideas and concepts into my head. When I got the test I felt better but again felt, that I over studied- I know that seems impossible but I was focusing on little things instead of really understanding the bigger concepts. I was lucky to be one of only two people that passed and at that point would be happy with anything over 80%- I got an 84%...I would suggest setting little goals for yourself...don't expect an A, aim for 6-8 percent better than the last test and just do it over and over again with each exam, and I think you will do fine, keep your head up, like I said I was also extremely disappointed but you need to move on and not let one low grade get to you!!